Tag: wedding flowers
courtesy of weheartit.com and weddingchicks.com
I have a confession, ladies and gents. That’s right. Here amongst friends, I need to admit something I’m not 100% proud of, and because everyone knows a public blog forum is the most discreet place to make an admission, I’m sure that’s where this will remain, right? Ooookkkkaaaay, here goes. I love peonies! Okay, well, that’s not the confession, but it’s important for establishing the premise of what will be noted as such :) But see, so pretty…
courtesy of Next Exit Photography
Alas, I digress. It was in my youth that my original obsession with the peony started. As I would ride my bike around the neighborhood, I was always drawn to the overgrown, bushy plant that began to bloom every spring in Mrs. Brown’s front yard. Because of the size of the plant, it would often grow outward and onto the sidewalk. It was in the moments of early summer, that my confession comes into play.
The plant – as you may have well guessed – was that of the beautiful blooming peony. Now, because the plant would sometimes end up a little on the sidewalk, I couldn’t help but run into it every now and again. So, if my bike “accidentally” (on purpose) veered toward the bush and knocked off a peony head or two, it would’ve been wrong of me NOT to take them home and enjoy them the way pretty flowers like the peony deserve to enjoyed, right? Yes? No? Maybe? Is this thing on?
*Hangs head in shame* I knew it! To you all, and most especially to you, Mrs. Brown, I am eternally sorry for my youthful thievery, but please know it was done out of love and they were appreciated to the fullest extent! <insert giant, sweet smile>
And now that I have that off my chest and more than likely worried some of you reading this – especially if Mrs. Brown ever comes across this blog, haha! – I’d like to move onto the real meat ‘n’ potatoes of the post, which is – of course! – the peony itself!
courtesy of weddingchicks.com
According to the Bridal Guide and brides the world over, the peony is the go-to flower for bouquets looking to create the most gusto! And it’s no wonder why! Comprised with deeply lobed leaves with large, bulbous and often fragrant flower blooms, the peony is available in just about every color under the sun! It’s petals – decorated in everything from reds and yellows to shades of whites and pinks – this beautimous blossom can be incorporated into every wedding color and theme there is :)
Great as a stand alone flower, paired in a bouquet of nothing but its own blooms OR accompanied by others equally as exquisite, the pretty peony is surely one standout flower that will have heads turning and breaths catching. Check out below and see what I mean for yourself :)
courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) bouquetweddingflower.com, visionsweddingboutique.com, bellethemagazine.com, etsy.com, exploredreamdiscoverblog.com (insert), countrybouquetsfloral.com, kissthegroom.com, bellethemagazine.com, bellethemagazine.com and elizabethannedesigns.com
March 14, 2013
photo courtesy of eventsbyshelly.blogspot.com
During the month of February, I can’t help but get a little case of cabin fever. Sick of the never-ending winter weather and over eager for spring to FINALLY arrive, it seems like every year, the shortest month of the year inevitably becomes the llloooooonnnnggggeeessssttt one on record.
And I feel horrible to even be mildly annoyed with it. It is – after all – the month that harbors the holiday for lovers AND both my parent’s birthday… I know. I’m an awful daughter, haha! But alas, it’s true. I’m sick of the gray, bleak, blustering days and smudged snow edging every road!
I’m ready for a warm up and a change of scenery.
With that said, I came across this wedding trend the other day, and I couldn’t help but get even more pumped for the season just around the corner and all the promise it holds! That’s right, ladies and gents, nothing quite says “Spring has Sprung!” quite like blooming fields of flowers and mouthwatering fruits and veggies.
Florals – of course – fit hand in hand with wedding bouquets. And now, so do fruits and vegetables! Don’t roll your eyes at me… I’m serious!
I know. I know. It sounds crazy, right? But when you see how it can be put in the works, I know you’ll have no choice but to agree! Not only are the colors of V8’s finest plush and vibrant, but the texture can be equally as incredible. And did I mention the cost?? Talk about a significant slim down on the cost of the more traditional blooms! Especially if they’re seasonal, you can save more than a pretty penny of your budget by incorporating these tasteful treats into your arrangements!
On the Fruitier Side of Fun: Take for instance, the apple. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, the apple can create an ideal pop of color and is fun for a spring, summer and even fall weddings. Then, there’s the strawberry. Richly hued in deep red, petite in size and topped with its own greenery, this deliciously seeded fruit even has all the elements to be a fantastic floral :)
There’s also grapes, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, lemons and limes! All proportionately sized and brightly colored, they can add just that extra pop of delectable whimsy!
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) blovedweddings.com, sethandkait.blogspot.com, baysidebride.com, myinspiredwedding.com, weddingsatwork.com, brendasweddingblog.com, onewed.com, etsy.com and mywedding.com
And what about the Vivacious Veggies: Hmm, where to even start? Firstly, not only are so many vegetables brilliantly colored, but their texture is a force all on their own! Sure, broccoli and cauliflower were never any child’s favorite growing up, but pair them with calla lilies and roses, and you have a killer combo of epic proportions.
Some veggie tales even come equipped with flowers! Hello!? Ever seen an artichoke in full bloom? Ahhhmazing! Heck, I could probably dedicate a whole post to the awesomeness that is the artichoke bouquet. I won’t. But I’m just saying :) Pair with carrots. Turn up the turnips and even pepper with peppers, and these textured vegetable bouquets have me sprouting all kinds of love. *Pun intended.
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) onewed.com, blueprintaffairs.blogspot.com, abbeyhepner.com, dmagazine.com, brides.com, crosspollinationfloral.blogspot.com, weddingwindow.com, elizabethannedesigns.com and beccadilley.com
And it’s not even a trend that is secluded simply to the bouquet; any of these ideas can be intertwined into so many other aspects of the big day celebration: centerpieces, main table décor and even boutonnieres! Check it :)
photos courtesy of eastonevents.com, pinkposhphotography.blogspot.com (insert), onewed.com, mywedding.com (insert) and bridalcookie.com
February 12, 2013
courtesy of habitatevents.com
Forget the diamonds and pearls. You can keep your tulle and lace… because brides everywhere are flocking to flowers when it comes to finishing their looks, and the result is nothing short of stunning.
Breathtaking baby’s breath. Powerful peonies. Radiant roses. Delicate daisies. Lovely lilies and greens of grandeur all come together in one of this spring’s hottest trends: Flower Crowns!
Their popularity can really only be defined by their versatility. Sure, it’s easy to picture your happily clad, hippie friend or a Boho-chic beauty when you think of these blossoming toppers, but just below the surface of the obvious, there’s a whole new audience delightfully delving into this Mother Nature inspired trend.
Because the crowns can be anything from avant garde and over-the-top to softly serene and ethereal, they really are something every bride can adjust to her particular taste. Not to mention, they can make for an incredibly easy and fun DIY wedding project! Check out below and see what I mean :)
photos courtesy of (from left to right, top to bottom) lexiebeauty.blogspot.com, myfavouritecolourisshiny.wordpress.com, peoniesandpearls.co.uk, allyritchie.com, onewed.com, bridalmusings.com, lovelybride.com, engagedandinspired.com, portender.com, c-h-c-h-e-r-r-y-b-o-m-b.tumblr.com, engagedandinspired.com, etsy.com, wolfeyebrows.wordpress.com and chicvintagebrides.com
May 1, 2012
courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com
With fairytale classics being remade into blockbuster gold like Mirror, Mirror and Snow White & the Huntsman, it’s no wonder why enchanted wedding decor is at an all time high for brides. Both artsy and fanciful, woodsy inspired details just seem to capture the kind of ambiance brides want for their ourtdoor, forest or barnyard weddings.
And one area I’m truly pleased to see reflecting such a whimsical look is none other than the bridal bouquet. Ethereal in inspiration and decadent in design, these one of a kind bouquets create just the right amount of “once upon a time” magic that will easily have couples living “happily ever after.” (Yeah, I totally went there.)
Start the pallet with large blooms, such as cabbage roses, robust ranunculus, heart stopping peonies or diva-esque dahlias. Then, mix in wildflowers or other natural, earthly, nonfloral elements to your already blossoming bouquet. Finish it off with a dash of sparkle or touch of flowing feathers and see how fantasy can turn into real life enchantment.
But don’t take my word for it. Simply check out below and be amazed for yourselves :)
photos courtesy of (tope to bottom, left to right) thefrenchbouquettulsa.com, marthastewartweddings.com, floweropera.wordpress.com, acephotographs.com (inset), marthastewartweddings.com, greenweddingshoes.com, greenweddingshoes.com, ruffledblog.com, kristynhogan.com, floweropera.wordpress.com, Google Images and ashleysbrideguide.com
March 27, 2012
I love fresh flowers. I know with their “here today, gone tomorrow” persona, it’s easy for some women to pretend poo poo them because of the expense. But I just can’t help myself! Even if their dead the next day, they are still a little slice of heaven while they last… no matter how short that while may be :)
And one of the hottest flowers to step out on the bridal market this fall are the colorfully cute, large blooming Dahlias. With their wide assortment of color schemes and statement-worthy blossoms, it’s no secret why these chic-topped stems are all the rage these days.
But if you still need convincing, check out the color arrangements below and see what I mean :)
White Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) marryyoume.com, unitedwithlove.com, jessicalynn402.blogspot.com (inset), bouquet-bouquet.com and diycoordinator.wordpress.com
Pink Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) bouquetbridal.blogspot.com, stjudescreations.blogspot.com, stjudescreations.blogspot.com (inset), floretcadet.com and sprout-flowers.com
Purple Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) stjudescreations.blogspot.com, birchblooms.blogspot.com, karmanlee.com (inset), stjudescreations.blogspot.com and boards.weddingbee.com
Yellow Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) bouquetweddingflower.com, exquisiteblooms.blogspot.com, exquisiteblooms.blogspot.com (inset), fleurchicago.com and bouquetweddingflower.com
Orange Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) google.com, thefullbouquetblog.com, theknot.com (inset), sprout-flowers.com and afloral.com
Red Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) boards.weddingbee.com, bouquetweddingflower.com, weddingbee.com, savemoneyonawedding.com and weddingbee.com
October 18, 2011
The woman who pretty much owns the bridal market on wedding dresses, Vera Wang, is dishing out some seriously good advice in a her weekly email newsletters, and I would highly recommend for all brides-to-be to check it out! Being a lover of all things bridal, I’m a HUGE fan. Obvs.
And this week’s treat was no disappointment! Often times, brides find themselves wanting something new and original to add to their wedding lineup; so, they look for alternatives that would best suit them. In today’s email, Ms. Wang offered some suggestions for the traditional bridal bouquet. Among the ideas?
Wrist Corsages. For a touch of grace.
photos courtesy of tulledreams.blogspot.com (top left), blog.weddingish.com (right) and sheenaholland.com
Pinned Corsages. For high-necked or off the shoulder gowns.
photos courtesy of stylehive.com (left), wmagazine.com (top right) and seattleflowers.com
Bible, Psalm or Prayer Books marked with a Favorite Flower. For additional sentiment.
photos courtesy of etsy.com (top left), answerstolife.tv (right) and godswordhasanswers.com
I love all the ideas for their unique nature and alternative appeal. Plus, having a corsage frees up your hands to hold onto other things… like your man’s hands :)
October 11, 2011
When a girlfriend at work (wad up, C-rock!) sent me a link featuring a finger-licking-good cupcake bouquet, I thought I had died and gone to heaven! I mean, c’mon! An amazingly colored rosebud bouquet… made of cutie pie cupcakes??? Um, yes please!
While we offered several options for alternative brides looking for their fix of unconventional arranging in Flowerless, DIY Wedding Bouquets, we did not include this double duty cutie, and after seeing some of the prospects below… I can’t imagine why! Just look at these mouth-watering treats! Some even rival the looks of the inspired flowers themselves! Bravo, bouquets, bravo :)
courtesy of (from top to bottom, left to right) littleruffledfeathers.blogspot.com, delishcupcakes.net, pinterest.com, brideandjoy.ie, morningglorybakes.blogspot.com via thecupcakeblog.com, delishcupcakes.net, littleruffledfeathers.blogspot.com, delishcupcakes.net, katherinesconfections.com, claudiaowen.wordpress.com and Eat My Shots
August 11, 2011
photo courtesy of flickr.com
Recently, a girlfriend at work (hollerrrrr Jessi!) attended a wedding, and after being impressed by the unique bouquet toss, she came in to dish the deets for The Best Wedding Blogger Ever – thank ya muchly, my dear!
At the reception she attended, instead of the bride throwing a traditional “tossing bouquet,” she threw a bouquet that split into several mini bouquets. Thus, providing more than one lady-in-waiting the coveted prize of “you’re next!” Obviously, la-Louvre-ing the idea, I immediately went into search mode to see what I could find.
While this kind of breakaway bouquet (also known as a fortune bouquet) hasn’t quite made a famed name for itself in the wedding world, it’s definitely a trend growing in popularity. Many brides who choose to take this option on keep the base idea the same: one bouquet splitting into several parts, but they also tag it with their own individual style as well.
Some brides will invite all their female guests - not just the single ones – out onto the dance floor and will either A) ask them all to make a wish or B) simply say that it’s a bouquet for luck, love or (fill in the blank) that everyone can enjoy.
I have also seen where other brides separate their entire bouquet into individual flowers and attach charms, fortunes, good luck ribbons, etc. to the stems; so, that each girl vying for a piece of that bridal gold will gladly do so.
It’s for sure an uber cute idea, and as someone who has made countless “walk ‘o’ shames” to catch the single lady bouquet, it most def makes it easier on any lady who begrudges the whole process!
So, put on your thinking caps, start tossing and spread even more joy!
photo courtesy of kai-photo.com
January 24, 2011
Photo Courtesy of francoiseweeks.com
After meeting with our wedding florist for the first time, I have to be honest… it became very clear to me that I knew NOTHING about flowers. Apparently, a rose isn’t just a rose. In fact, my dear friends, a rose can be a Bourbon, a Centifolia, a Noisette, a Damask, a Moss, an Alba, a Portland, a Gallica or a Hybrid… and not just any hybrid… a rose could be a Hybrid Perpetual, a Hybrid Musk, a <insert crossed eyes here> Hybrid Rugosa… I mean the list goes on and on, and we’re just talking roses for sobbin’ out loud!
If I have any advice when it comes to picking flowers – whether it be for your bouquet, centerpieces or just ‘cause – I would have to say simply, “Have fun with it!” Go nuts printing out pictures of things you like and designs you’ve seen! Florists love a bride who knows what she wants and help inspire them. After all, it is your day, but it is their art.
Below are seven flowers I came across that you just might want to consider, especially after seeing them in action! (Information courtesy of Wikipedia.org. Photos courtesy of Google Images, and collages courtesy of yours truly!)
Alright, Allium!
Known for its buxom blossoms, this delightful bloom comes in a number of colors and shapes. And while it is from the onion genus – make no mistake – there’s nothing stinky about it! With as many as 750 species, this super sized flower is often rounder in shape and larger in size. While its siblings include some of the cooking world’s favorites – onions, garlic, chives, etc. – its ornamental flowering species are quite beautiful, and quite less malodorous. Haha!
Birds of Paradise are Very Nice!
Exotic by nature, appealing by design… there’s no denying the standout potential of a bouquet or centerpiece filled with this striking flower. While there are several species known to man, the most famous ones are often times referred to by their geographic region. Below are samples of how the Maui and Mexican Birds of Paradise create an unmistakable look!
Give me Some Chrysanthemums!
Currently including about 30 species, these beautiful blooms once housed many others until they split into several genera decades ago. Dating all the way back to the 15th Century, chrysanthemums were originally cultivated in China and come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. And even though “mums” are often times thought of as autumn blossoms, I would urge you to explore the brighter varieties for a spring and summer bouquets as well!
Say “I Do” with Delphinium!
Part of the buttercup family, this delicate flower has mass appeal! Many times cultivated for flower arrangements, delphiniums are awesome for adding color and depth to bouquets. Because of their buds bloom in a vertical pattern, they can create very unique and colorful looks! However, be weary, these blooms are extremely poisonous… so, don’t eat them! Stick to the buffet instead – haha!
Ooh la la! It’s Pretty Protea!
I’d be lying if I said these didn’t scare me at first… Also known as “sugarbushes,” protea flowers were named after the Greek god Proteus who was capable of changing his form at will… and rightfully so! These incredibly exotic looking plants come in about a schmillion shapes, sizes, colors and blooms! While their stand alone look might be too funky for some, they can be amazing additions when added into arrangements!
Think Outside the Box with Phlox!
Dead sere, I love this dainty flower! Available in shades of white, purple, blue, pink and yellow, you’d be hard pressed not to find one to coordinate with your wedding colors! And, with their pansy-like appeal and clustering blossoms, they also can give great texture and fullness to arrangement they’re filling!
It’s like a Dream: Ranunculus Reverie!
A cousin to delphinium, ranunculus are also part of the buttercup family… and how can anyone NOT love anything involving “buttercups”? Almost resembling a softer, more delicate rose, these bountiful blossoms come in just about every color imaginable. Great for adding into an arrangement or flying solo, there’s no doubt that brides will go re-donk-ulous for ranunculus!
February 26, 2010
Photo Courtesy of Intimate Weddings
I may not know much, but I do know this: Weddings Are Expensive. And I’m not just talking about the main venues (reception hall, food, booze, dress, etc.); I’m talking about eeeevvveeerrryyyythiiiing, and one wedding detail that are often times overlooked in expense are flowers. My poor father – who was constantly being told by my well-intentioned mother, “Just shut up and pay, William… just shut up and pay” – had a very hard time keeping quiet about the florist’s bill… so hard of a time, in fact, that he decided not to keep quiet at all. Haha!
I’m not kidding you, the man almost fell out of his chair when he read the circled price hovering over the dotted line. Then, while readjusting his specs and squinting his eyes, he almost immediately began making remarks that would hit home to fmost athers around the world. “Are you kidding me? For flowers?? Why on God’s green earth… (inaudible grumbles)… But they’re dead the next day!”
And while I love love love flowers (what girl doesn’t?) I’m afraid I had to agree. Like every bride, I had to find the balance between my dream wedding and our actual budget. We started throwing out ideas, and we decided it might be fun to make the bridesmaid bouquets ourselves and save on the expense of having a florists bring them in.
What You Will Need:
- Flowers (focal, filler & greenery)
- Vase
- Vase Filler
- Scissors
- Floral Tape
- Finishing Ribbon
- Straight Pins
- + Any Additional Accessories of your Choosing (ie. lace, tulle, beads, etc.)
What You Will Do:
First, gather your flowers, vase and vase filler. Be sure your vase is congruent to the size and shape you want your bouquet to be. Add in the vase filler of your choosing to the bottom of the vase. Sand, beans and pebbles all work nicely and will make arranging your flowers much easier.
**Extra Tip** Whether you choose real or fake flowers is totally up to you! But if you choose to do real flowers, check out FiftyFlowers.com. They sale large quantities of flowers at wholesale prices and also provide tips on flower combos and arrangements. For fake flowers, try a local arts and crafts store. Places like Hobby Lobby and Michael’s have large selections of flowers, as well as a number of products you can use to “spruce” up your bouquet.
Next sort your flowers by color, bloom size and the amount intended for each spray and trim their stems to equivalent heights. This will make it easy for you to build your bouquet, as well as keep it organized.
***Extra Tip*** When trimming the stems of real flowers, be sure to cut them under water with sharpened scissors. This will help keep the bloom healthier for longer.
Then, using the vase as your holder, start placing in your flowers. Because larger blooms are more difficult to maneuver, you should start with them first. Work your way from the center, outward and alternate from color to color (when applicable) until a desired look is achieved.
After all your larger blooms have been added, start adding any ”filler flowers” or smaller blooms into the bare areas of your bouquet, followed by any greenery. This will give your bouquet a full and polished look.
***Extra Tip*** Great filler flowers can be found anywhere. The most popular choices include: hydrangea, baby’s breath, asters, statice or limonium flowers and blooms, which feature several buds on a single stem.
Once you’ve reached the desired amount of flowers and size of your bouquet, shift them around and rearrange them accordingly until you’re satisfied with the appearance. If you’re not completely satisfied, try adding in accent accessories, such as bouquet pins, picks or anything with sparkle.
After you have your bouquet positioned perfectly, remove it from the vase using your hands carefully, making sure to disturb the arrangement the least amount as possible. Then, using florist tape, wire or even a rubber band (depending on your preference), tie off the bouquet.
Finally, finish off your bouquet with any desired accents, ribbons or jewels and – voilà! – you’ve just made your first bouquet!
***Extra Tip*** If you’re having difficulty getting things “juuuust right,” try using a hot glue gun. This will ensure your arrangement stays in place.
January 22, 2010
